March 4, 1943 – March 13, 2025

It is with heavy and faithful hearts that we announce the passing of John Ervin Hau, of rural Chilton (Brothertown), on March 13, 2025, at the age of 82. He peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer.

John was born on March 4, 1943, in Marytown, Wisconsin, where he grew up on the family farm. From an early age, he developed a deep love for farming and the land. Though his life journey took him in many directions, John remained a farmer at heart, always finding peace in nature and tending to his garden. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Darlene (Birschbach) Hau, and their children Julie Hau, Chris (Hillary) Hau, and Jeremy (Jenna) Hau. John's legacy also lives on in his grandchildren Norah, Amelia, Parker, and Madelynn, who brought him immense joy.

He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Peter Hau of Kaukauna, Michael Hau of Germantown, Sr. Mary Hau O.S.F. of St. Francis, Kay Urfer of Pomona, CA, Dori Plautz of New Holstein, and her special friend, Mark; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gordon Birschbach of Oconomowoc, Kathleen (Mark) Puls of Wauwatosa, Rose Simon of Fond du Lac, Mary (Allen) Feldner of rural New Holstein (Marytown), Betty (Paul) Mand of Fond du Lac, John (Susan) Birschbach of Fond du Lac, Paul (Sarah) Birschbach of rural Hilbert (Stockbridge), Marcia (Bruce) Lawson of West Allis; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert M. Hau; mother, Marjorie A. (Knaus) Hau; father-in-law, Jerome F. Birschbach; mother-in-law, Lucille E. (Wagner) Birschbach; brother William (Virginia) Hau; sisters, Barbara Birschbach and Ann Hau; sisters-in-law Lois Hardrath-Hau, Patricia Hau; brothers-in-law Robert Urfer, Michael Forrest, Barry Plautz, and Gerald Birschbach.

John graduated from New Holstein High School in 1961. He was drafted into the Vietnam War and Served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He was responsible for fixing and maintaining communication systems, a role that required technical skill and dedication. His service to his country was a point of great pride, and his commitment to helping others extended beyond his military career.

John had a strong faith and passion for life. He was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Church (Jericho) and Our Lady of the Holyland St. Mary's site (Marytown). He was an avid gardener, a bird-watching enthusiast, spent time canning and loved helping others with home projects. If something needed fixing, John was the go-to person, always ready to lend a hand. He could fix just about anything and was known to say, "If a guy only had a screwdriver." He had a love for nature, especially when planting trees, and hunting with his family. He cherished every opportunity to work in his yard with his wife. Together, they created a bountiful garden and maintained beautiful flower beds.

John dedicated his life to helping others in nursing homes. He was the head maintenance worker at Villa Loretto Nursing Home in Mount Calvary and Calumet County Homestead in New Holstein. His work ethic and dedication were unmatched, and he had a kind heart and willingness to help anyone in need. He had a lighthearted spirit and sense of humor, always trying to put a smile on others' faces.

John loved the surrounding communities. He served as a supervisor on the Town Board for Brothertown. He and his wife were also very active in the parish at Our Lady of the Holyland St. Mary's site (Marytown), where John served and volunteered on the building and grounds maintenance team.

A Liturgy Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Our Lady of the Holyland Parish-St. Mary's Site in Marytown (N10232 County Road G, New Holstein, WI 53061). Rev. Paul Koenig, OFM Cap will officiate. Military Rites will take place in the church following the Mass. John will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery after the Military Rites.

Visitation: A wake to celebrate John's life will be held at Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue, New Holstein, WI 53061 on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Visitation also will be at the church in Marytown, Saturday morning, March 29th from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM.

John's memory will live-on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his impact on the lives of others will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory for the St. Mary's Building & Grounds and the Marytown Veteran's Club. Donations can be forwarded to the family; if mailing, please make check out to Darlene Hau and address envelope: Family of John Hau C/O Sippel Funeral Home, PO Box 135, New Holstein, WI 53061.

For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.